Coyotes typically range in size with an average body length of about 1 to 1.3 meters (3.3 to 4.3 feet) including their tail, which is around 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) long. In height, they stand roughly 60 cm (24 inches) at the shoulder. Their weight usually falls between 9 and 23 kg (20 to 50 pounds), with males generally being slightly larger and heavier than females. Some individuals may weigh as much as 34 kg (75 pounds) in exceptional cases. Coyotes resemble the size and shape of a small to medium dog, like a husky. Their legs are long and thin, and they have a bushy, black-tipped tail. The size and weight can vary somewhat geographically, with northern subspecies tending to be larger than southern ones. Coyotes in the eastern United States and Canada are often among the largest. Summary:
- Length: about 1 to 1.3 meters (3.3 to 4.3 feet) including tail
- Tail length: 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches)
- Height at shoulder: about 60 cm (24 inches)
- Weight: typically 9 to 23 kg (20 to 50 pounds), up to 34 kg (75 pounds) for exceptional individuals
- Males usually larger than females
- Geographic variation in size exists
This size makes coyotes somewhat smaller than wolves but larger than foxes, roughly comparable to a small dog breed in size.
